Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What Is It?
Compression of the median nerve at the wrist causing numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb, index, middle, and radial ring fingers. Worse at night. Risk factors: repetitive work, diabetes, hypothyroidism, pregnancy.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Clinical: Tinel sign, Phalen test. Nerve conduction study / EMG confirms diagnosis and severity.
How Is It Treated?
Mild-moderate: wrist splint at night, activity modification, steroid injection. Severe or persistent: surgical carpal tunnel release (highly effective). Treat underlying cause (thyroid, diabetes).
Tests and Imaging Typically Needed
Nerve conduction study/EMG, TSH, fasting glucose, CBC.
Approximate Self-Pay Costs
Office visit: $95-$150. NCS/EMG: $300-$600. Wrist splint: $20-$40. Corticosteroid injection: $50-$150. Surgery: $2,000-$4,000 (if needed).